PANAJI
Vasco Veterans got the better of Loutolim Veterans by a solitary goal to advance into the next round of the Brian Mendes Memorial Veterans Football tournament, organised by Viva North Veterans Football Club at Dr Gustavo Football stadium, Candolim, Wednesday evening.
The match got underway with both teams adopting a cautious approach, with the proceedings being mostly confined to midfield play.
However as the match was heading towards the breather, Vasco managed to find the nets through the boots of Prakash Chari. Ultimately the goal turned out to be the match winner.
Prakash in a solo effort to beat a stubborn Loutolim defence marshaled by Sandeep Sanklag, sent a rasping long drive that beat Loutolim goalkeeper Sebastian hands down.
Vasco encouraged by a 1-0 lead, raided the Loutolim citadel time and again, exposing the Loutolim half-line whose functioning was dis-oriented.
Vasco could have added to their tally but Santan goofed up with just the Loutolim goalkeeper to beat.
After the breather, Loutolim’s half-line remained unsettled and Vasco kept on the pressure. They missed to move the scoreboard when Francis failed to tap into the Loutolim goal, which laid open before him.
Loutolim fought back and had their shares of the spoils.
Cruz Pereira of Vasco Veterans was booked for bringing down his rival Loutolim player.
Loutolim defender Sandeep Sanklag played a vital role making up for their inept half-line, scuttling many of Vasco moves. He was rightly awarded the man of match award.
Bardez Veterans v/s Curtorim Veterans at Dr Gustavo Monteiro Football Stadium, Candolim, 4.45 pm.
